How to check if an app or program is installed in Windows 11

Windows 11 keeps track of every app and program you install.

The main place to see this list is within the Settings app, which is Windows’ central hub for managing your PC.

This method lets you quickly see what software is present on your computer.

How to Check What Apps Are Installed in 🪟 Windows 11

Step 1See Your Installed Apps List

The ‘Installed apps’ list in Windows 11 Settings is the best place to check for all the apps and programs you have on your computer. This section shows you a complete list of everything installed, making it simple to see what software is on your PC.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button. This is the Windows logo, usually in the bottom-left corner. Click it.
2. Open Settings. After clicking Start, you will see options. Look for the gear icon. Click it to ⚙️ open Settings. You can also press the Windows key + I keys on your keyboard. This opens Settings faster!
3. Go to Apps. In Settings, find and click on “Apps.” This is where you manage your software.
4. Choose Installed apps. In the Apps section, click on “Installed apps.” (In older Windows versions, this might be called “Apps & features”).

The Windows 11 Apps & features list shows installed programs. This extensive list displays all software on a computer, which grows with continued PC use.

What You Will See:

A list of applications appears here, with each entry displaying the app name. Sometimes, you’ll also find the version number or the disk space it occupies. This represents your official record of installed items.

Step 2Check the ⊞ Start Menu

Your Windows 11 ⊞ Start Menu offers a quick way to see many of your installed programs. It displays your most frequently used apps first, followed by a full alphabetical list of all other software you’ve added to your PC.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button again.
2. Look through the “Most used” and alphabetical list. When the ⊞ Start Menu opens, you might see “Most used” apps at the top. Below that, you will see a full alphabetical list of programs and apps with a Start Menu shortcut.

The quick check method finds programs users access often on a Windows 11 computer. This starting point helps users open a program they know is installed, saving search time.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/how-to-check-if-an-app-or-program-is-installed-in-windows

Summary

Checking what apps are installed on Windows 11 is easy using ⚙️ the Settings app’s ‘Installed apps’ list or by glancing at the ⊞ Start Menu for shortcuts.